Child restraint systems

ABSTRACT

Improvements for child restraint systems are directed specifically to the covers, handles, and harnesses thereof. A child restraint cover is readily removed without having to detach the harness from the seat. A soft and semi rigid child restraint handle includes members that are tied together in a crossover fashion. Another handle of the invention spans above the restraint in a head to foot direction. A further handle design includes dual integrated handles. 5-point and 7-point harnesses that do not require threading a child&#39;s limbs through harness loops are also provided. A harness height adjuster is also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/131,662 entitled “Improvements for Child Restrain Systems” filed May 17, 2005, now abandoned which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/571,791 filed on May 17, 2004 and titled “Child Car Seat with Improvements,” and U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/610,774, 60/610,686, 60/611,177, and 60/610,800 each filed on Sep. 17, 2004 and titled, respectively, “Modular Child Restraint System that Involves Rotation and Removal,” “Actively Securing Child Restraint Base Interface that Amplifies User Leverage,” “Modular Upgradeable Child Restraint System,” and “Child Vehicle Restraints;” all five applications are incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/131,568 titled “Actively Securable Base for a Modular Child Restraint System” and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/132,103 titled “Modular Child Restraint System,” both filed on May 17, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of transportation safety and more particularly to child carriers for use in vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child restraint incorporating principles of the cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view showing a 7-point harness system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing a 5-point harness system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view showing an alternate harness embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective detail view of a shoulder area of a cover according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of a child restraint comprising a handle according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a child restraint comprising a handle according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are side elevation views of a child restraint comprising a handle, according to an embodiment of the invention, in carrying and folded positions, respectively.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of a child restraint comprising a handle, according to an embodiment of the invention, including an integrated sunshade.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a shortcoming of a simple soft handle according to the prior art.

FIG. 14 is a schematic top plan view of a child restraint to define major and minor axes as used herein.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a child restraint including an ergonomic handle according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of a restraint handle according to the prior art showing its ergonomic inadequacy.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are side elevation and perspective views, respectively, of a restraint handle according to the prior art showing additional ergonomic inadequacies.

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of a child restraint including an ergonomic handle according to an embodiment of the invention showing alternate ergonomic hand positions.

FIGS. 20-22 are side elevation views of a child restraint including an ergonomic handle according to an embodiment of the invention showing a 4-bar linkage in a stowed position, a partially deployed position, and a fully deployed position, respectively.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a child restraint including an ergonomic handle in a fully deployed position according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 24-27 are side elevation views of a child restraint including an ergonomic handle according to an embodiment of the invention showing a 4-bar linkage in a stowed position, two partially deployed positions, and a fully deployed position, respectively.

FIG. 28 is an end elevation view of a child restraint including an ergonomic handle according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 29 and 30 are perspective views of the embodiment of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is an example of the embodiment of FIG. 28 in use.

FIGS. 33 and 34 are side elevation and perspective views, respectively, of a child restraint including an ergonomic handle according to still another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 35 and 36 are perspective views of a child restraint including an ergonomic handle according to still another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 37-39 are end elevation views of a child restraint including an ergonomic handle according to still another embodiment of the invention showing the handle in several positions.

FIG. 40 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIGS. 37-39.

FIGS. 41 and 42 are perspective views of a child restraint including an ergonomic handle according to still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a 5-point harness for a child restraint according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 44 illustrates the need for limb threading when using a 5-point harness according to the prior art.

FIGS. 45 and 46 are perspective views of alternative closures for a harness according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 47 is a top plan view of a 5-point harness for a child restraint according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 48 is a top plan view of a 7-point harness for a child restraint according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a 7-point harness for a child restraint according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 50 and 51 are perspective and top plan views, respectively, of a 7-point harness according to an embodiment of the invention as used to restrain a child within a child restraint.

FIGS. 52 and 53 are top plan views of 7-point harnesses for a child restraints according to additional embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a 7-point harness according to an embodiment of the invention as used to restrain a child within a child restraint.

FIGS. 55 and 56 are side elevation and perspective views, respectively, of a child restraint comprising dual handles according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 57 is a top plan view of a harness height adjuster for a child restraint, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 58 is a top plan view of a harness height adjuster for a child restraint, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view through the embodiment of FIG. 58.

FIG. 60 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 58.

FIG. 61 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 58.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a portion of a restraint cover in a shoulder area thereof, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a prior art restraint cover.

FIGS. 64-66 are top plan views of harness height adjusters according to additional embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 67 is perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 66.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. Easily Attached and Removed Child Restraint Cover

The covers of child restraints must be periodically removed for cleaning. Existing restraints accommodate this need by having easily detachable perimeter loops or elastic. However, in existing systems, the parent must detach the safety harnesses that pass through restraint cover in order to remove the cover. While some covers have lengths of hook and loop fasteners near harness exit points to aid harness adjustment, none offers a cover scheme that completely obviates the need to break the harness integrity.

A new child restraint cover system of the invention allows for greater ease of use and safety. The invention allows the user to remove the restraint cover (for instance for cleaning) without breaking the integrity of the harness loop. By enabling users to remove the restraint cover without disturbing the harness at all, the invention simultaneously improves the ease of use and safety of all restraints, including children's car seats, infant carriers used as car restraints, carriers and bassinet type restraints that are not meant as in-car restraints, and child strollers. The invention also promotes improved cleanliness and sanitation of child restraints by encouraging easier and more frequent washing.

The present invention provides for a child restraint cover that can be easily and safely removed. The greater ease of use and safety result from the elimination of the need to break/disconnect the safety harness system of the restraint in order to remove the cover. The invention achieves this feature by incorporating seam lines in the cover that close for child comfort, and separate for removal. Fasteners of various kinds (including of the hook and loop variety) attach in order to close the cover at these seams, but also allow the seams to be opened.

FIG. 1 shows the cover of the invention installed on a restraint. The darker, bold, lines in the figure represent seams in the cover construction which allow the invention to achieve easy removal and attachment. The large flap 101 defined by the “upside-down U” shaped bold line flips open to allow the cover to be removed without breaking the continuity of the overall harness structure; in this case, harness loops 102, 103, and 104 can pass by the edges of the flap without breaking. The opening 105 allows the lower crotch area harness end to pass through the cover. Seams 106 and 107 allow for harness shoulder height adjustment without breaking the harness loop. To prevent large flap 101 and seams 106 and 107 from easily opening in regular restraint usage, they are fixed down with hook and loop fasteners.

FIG. 2 is a plan view that shows the invention's scheme. Large flap 101; harness loops 102, 103, and 104, opening 105; and seams 106 and 107 are shown for reference. Alternative implementations of this fixing functionality in the invention include: buttons, snaps, plastic hooks, and re-sealable contact adhesive. FIG. 3 is a plan view that shows how the child restraint cover invention applies to different harness scheme variations. In this case, a five point harness can also benefit from the easy attach and removal method. Large flap 101; harness loops 111 and 112, opening 105; and seams 106 and 107 are shown for reference.

FIG. 4 is a plan view that shows an alternative implementation of the invention which has seams that allow the harness structure to pass through the cover. Seams 121, 122, 123, and 124 extend to the edge of the cover allowing harness loops 102 and 104 to pass through unimpeded. Seams 106 and 107 function similarly and are also cut to the top edge of the cover to allow for the shoulder harness straps of 103 to pass through. Opening 105 allows harness crotch attachment 108 to pass through. This alternative implementation is just like the primary implementation of the invention in that it can also work for different harness schemes (such as five point harnesses) and can be implemented with a variety of closures other than hook and loop ones that hold the seams closed.

FIG. 5 details the shoulder harness area of the cover invention and shows how the design accommodates multiple harness heights. Flaps 131, 132, 133, and 134 can be flipped up to reposition the shoulder harness strap to pass through either slots/positions 135, 136, 137, 138, or 139.

2. Semi Rigid Deploying Handle for Child Restraints

There are many child restraints on the market, especially of the type that users install as accessories in a car and are not built-in to the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. Of these, one type commonly referred to as “infant car seats” or “infant carriers” can be removed from the vehicle without uninstalling the base to which they attach. These restraints commonly have a carrying handle that allows parents to pick them up and carry them.

A common form of these handles is a loop that connects to the minor or lateral axis of the restraint as viewed from the top. These loops then rotate to a vertical position for carrying. There have been many developments of the handle area of this loop (the top of the loop) to attempt to achieve a more ergonomic carrying position for parents. These variations include a jog or bend in the loop in the handle area to the longitudinal direction, a rotating a handle which can be set at different radial positions as viewed from the top, and a splitting of the loop at the top that allows a cross handle piece to be installed in the longitudinal direction. These developments still do not adequately address the ergonomics of restraint carrying because they do not address common carrying modes such as elbow carrying. Also, these existing handles are large plastic structures that add weight, complexity, and bulk to restraints not only through their own structure, but also through the supporting locking and hub structures.

As for soft or semi rigid handles, having two loops to either side of the restraint is a classic handle design that has been around for a long time (as evidenced by its use on so called “Moses basket” bassinets). These handles achieve light weight and comfort at the expense of restraint stability and safety. Single soft straps (like shoulder straps) have similar stability issues.

A new child restraint handle of the invention allows for more comfortable and ergonomic carrying of the restraint. This handle improves the carrying of children's car seats, infant carriers used as car restraints, and carriers and bassinet type restraints that are not meant as in-car restraints.

Highlights of the invention include:

-   -   Comfortable semi rigid loops that achieve the comfort of soft         handles while providing stability and safety;     -   Easy to deploy to allow carrying and to fold up;     -   A unique configuration of the handle loops that achieves compact         folding and carrying stability;     -   Stability of the restraint is achieved by placing the anchor         points of the handle close to the corners of the restraint;     -   ‘Fail safe’ usage of a semi rigid handle achieved wherein user         cannot grab the handle improperly; and     -   Reduced weight and complexity versus rigid handles.

The present invention provides a handle for child restraints that allows an ergonomic and comfortable carrying and handling experience for the user/parent using the restraint. The handle accomplishes its novel level of comfort through its soft and semi rigid manner. Unlike prior art hard rigid handles, the shape of the handle of the invention will conform to the user's body for comfort. Also, because of this novel semi rigid construction, the handle will better enable carrying in the crook of the elbow of a user, as opposed to holding it with a hand. Existing handles do not explicitly enable a comfortable elbow carrying mode, instead focusing on the hand carrying mode (more ‘briefcase style’). The handle also does not rely on a hard locking hub, thereby reducing weight, reducing the width of the restraint, eliminating protuberances sticking out of the sides of restraint that rub up against users, and reducing complexity. All of these factors, combined with the inherently lighter weight of the semi rigid members, contribute to user comfort and convenience.

The invention accomplishes all of these points of comfort and convenience while still achieving restraint stability. FIG. 6 shows how attachment points 201, 202, 203, 204 are pushed out, close to the outer corners of the restraint, thereby achieving stability. One principle feature of the invention is the ability to achieve this stability, while still allow a compact folding. The handle folds up to follow the upper (or lower) contour of the restraint. FIG. 7 shows the handle folded along the upper contour of the restraint. The invention achieves this compact folding because semi rigid members 205 and 206 (as seen in FIG. 6) cross over each other, such that member 205 is attached at points 201 and 203, and member 206 is attached at points 202 and 204. The member crossing scheme of the invention allows the compact folding shown in FIG. 7 to be achieved by merely pushing upward on the handle 207.

FIG. 8 shows the interface piece 207 attached over the member crossing point. This piece achieves greater user comfort for holding/handling by being padded. Also, locking element 208 on the interface piece locks the handle 205 and 206 by pressing members 205 and 206 together; when 208 pushes on 205 and 206, the overall handle assembly cannot move. An alternate embodiment of the invention would involve no locking element.

FIG. 9 shows the invention in its deployed state, and FIG. 10 shows the invention in its folded state. An alternate embodiment of the invention would involve locking out the handle assembly's movement by locks or detents located at locations 209 or 210.

FIG. 11 shows how an integrated sunshade can be incorporated into the invention. When the semi rigid handle is raised, the integrated sunshade 211 pulls up with no secondary action. FIG. 12 illustrates the integrated sunshade 211 in a partially stowed state.

An important element of the invention is the achievement of stability in a ‘fail safe’ fashion. This usage safety contrasts with conventional soft handles. FIG. 13 shows how standard soft ‘duffel bag’ style handles can be used improperly by a user. Handles 212 and 213 are not connected, such that the user can grab only one handle (212) and lift the restraint. This will cause the restraint to rock over into a position where the child might fallout of the restraint. In the invention, the semi rigid structures 205 and 206 of FIGS. 6-12 are tied together in a crossover fashion that allows the advantages of a soft handle 207, without the potential for misuse. The invention anchors in four points of stability in similar fashion to ‘duffel bag’ style handles, but deploy simply in one step with no disconnection of the handle from one side of the restraint to the other.

3. Extended Ergonomic Handle

There are many child restraints on the market, especially of the type that users install as accessories in a car and are not built-in to the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. Of these, one type commonly referred to as “infant car seats” or “infant carriers” can be removed from the vehicle without uninstalling the base to which they attach. These restraints commonly have a carrying handle that allows parents to pick them up and carry them.

A common form of these handles is a loop that connects to the minor or lateral axis of the restraint as viewed from the top. These loops then rotate to a vertical position for carrying. There have been many developments of the handle area of this loop (the top of the loop) to attempt to achieve a more ergonomic carrying position for parents. These variations include a jog or bend in the loop in the handle area to the longitudinal direction, a rotating a handle which can be set at different radial positions as viewed from the top, and a splitting of the loop at the top that allows a cross handle piece to be installed in the longitudinal direction. These developments still do not adequately address the ergonomics of restraint carrying.

A new child restraint handle of the invention allows for more comfortable and ergonomic carrying of the restraint. This handle will improve the carrying of children's car seats, infant carriers used as car restraints, and carriers and bassinet type restraints that are not meant as in-car restraints.

While there are existing child restraint handle designs, the handle of the invention is superior because it:

-   -   Is more comfortable to use;     -   Allows to user to account for variable centers of gravity of the         child's weight;     -   Allows the user to adjust for child's shifting weight         on-the-fly;     -   Provides more hand placement options;     -   Allows the user to use a second hand more effectively;     -   Allows the user to exert leverage on the restraint more         effectively when maneuvering it into cars, onto strollers, or         other dynamic conditions; and     -   Includes a linkage system that allows a longer handle to stow         more compactly.

The present invention provides a handle for child restraints that allows an ergonomic and comfortable carrying and handling experience for the user/parent using the restraint. The handle accomplishes its novel level of comfort through allowing the user to balance the weight of the restraint and child along the most weight-variable axis, through placing the hand in a comfortable orientation, and through allowing the use of multiple hands.

The handle of the invention accomplishes these advantages over existing handles by incorporating a handle that spans above the restraint in the longitudinal, or major axis, orientation. FIG. 14 explains the orientation scheme referring to herein. Centerline 301 is the major axis or longitudinal orientation. Centerline 302 is the minor axis or transverse orientation. Existing handle designs either span in the minor axis orientation, or take a turn in the middle and allow for one hand to be placed in the major axis orientation.

FIG. 15 shows how the extended longitudinal handle span 311 can accommodate more than one hand, in contrast to existing designs. In fact, the invention allows for a handle that spans the major axis either in its entirety, or for its majority. This extended longitudinal orientation addresses critical factors that have been determined to contribute to the discomfort of carrying a child restraint:

-   -   offset weight;     -   limited hand placement flexibility; and     -   insufficient handle space to accommodate a secondary hand.

Offset weight results in a great degree of discomfort because the user then has to contend not only with the static weight of the child and restraint, but also with the moment caused by the center of gravity not being in line with the user's hand and arm. FIG. 16 illustrates how a user experiences a twisting on his or her arm, wrist, and hand with existing designs. The marker 321 indicates the center of gravity location for the combined restraint and child. It can be seen that this results in a twisting 322 of the user's wrist.

Referring back to the longitudinal handle span 311 illustrated in FIG. 15, it can be seen that the invention allows self-adjusting of hand placement along the major axis by the user to negate this twisting. The handle allows for longitudinal adjustment because there is more potential for center of gravity variability along that axis as the child grows.

Limited hand placement flexibility contributes to discomfort by not allowing the user to adjust his or her carrying position for comfort. This need for adjustment could be in response to a static carrying condition, as when one shifts backpack straps to different parts of the shoulders. Or, it could be in response to a need maneuver the restraint FIG. 17 illustrates the contrast in flexibility afforded by the handle design vs. existing handles. Here, hand 323 can only be placed in one location on this handle 322 (which represents a side elevation view of an existing handle design that spans the minor axis but turns in the middle for a short section of longitudinal handle). FIG. 18 shows a user with this existing handle design. In contrast, in FIG. 19, the hand is shown in multiple positions 331, 332, and 333 along handle span 311.

Users sometimes want to use more than one hand to hold the child restraint. Also, users can jointly hold the restraint with another person. Existing handles offer limited options for secondary hand placement. In order to achieve this extended longitudinal handle span in a child restraint, the invention provides an innovative mechanism that both stows the handle in a compact position and deploys it to its full ergonomic length. FIG. 20 illustrates the 4-bar linkage in stowed position, with pivots 341, 342, 343, and 344, and handle span 345. FIG. 21 shows the handle partially deployed. FIG. 22 shows the handle fully deployed.

FIG. 23 shows an isometric view or the handle invention in its fully deployed state, with handle span 345 and pivot links 343 and 344. Also, the invention allows for the integration of a sun shade that conveniently deploys along with the handle, thus saving steps for the user. The sun shade would cover the space under handle 345 in between links 343 and 344. In contrast to existing prior art designs which integrate a sun shade with the handle, the design allows for the shade to stow behind the restraint (in the region 6 in FIG. 20) instead of having to fold up completely around the top restraint rim.

FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative 4-bar linkage in stowed position, with pivots 341, 342, 343, and 344, and handle span 345. FIG. 25 shows the handle partially deployed, and it can be seen that link 341 is bent. FIG. 26 shows the handle partially deployed. FIG. 27 shows the handle fully-deployed, with links 341 and 342 in a more upright position than in the previous iteration. Alternate ways to achieve the extended ergonomic longitudinal handle orientation include:

-   -   A handle which pivots on one side of the restraint and loops         around the perimeter of the restraint upper rim. FIG. 28 shows         an end elevation view that illustrates how the handle would         pivot at location 351 until the handle span reaches the center         longitudinal line. FIGS. 29 and 30 show isometric views to         further explain this invention variation, with pivot locations         351 and handle spans 352. FIG. 31 is a side elevation view of         the handle span 352. FIG. 32 shows a prototype of this invention         variation with handle span 352.     -   FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate a handle loop 352 that pivots along         the center longitudinal axis at both the top 353 and bottom 354         areas of the restraint perimeter rim.     -   FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate a handle span 352 that pivots along         the center longitudinal axis at the top 353 areas of the         restraint perimeter rim.     -   FIG. 37 illustrates a handle system where the two halves of the         handle, 361 and 362, extend upward from the sides of the         restraint, as shown in FIG. 38. Then, the handles pivot inward         as shown in FIG. 39 and attach together to form the completed         handle span. FIG. 40 shows a side elevation view of the         completed handle span 363. This invention also allows for the         convenient carrying of the restraint by two people if they each         grab one of the handles 361 or 362 in FIG. 38.     -   FIG. 41 shows an alternate embodiment where the long         longitudinal handle has semi rigid pieces 371 and 372, and soft         pieces 373 and 374 attached at either end. These semi rigid         pieces 371 and 372 (made out of materials with spring to them,         such as various plastics or spring steel), allow the handle to         be folded up into the use position, but will also force the         handle back down into a stowed position after the user lets go         of the handle, as shown in FIG. 42.

4. Easy to Use 5 Point Harness for Child Restraints that does not Requiring Threading of Child Limbs Through Harness Loops

Harnesses for child restraints have evolved from 3-point harnesses of the past. In 3-point systems, two points of attachments were at the child's shoulders, and the third attachment point was in the crotch area. In these systems, the harness typically folded over the child, pivoting at the two shoulder attachment areas, and a single buckle would attach at the crotch area. However, as with other restraint systems, people recognized that more attachment points equated to more security of harnessing and more distribution of load on the passenger. Since these imperatives are especially relevant to children, 5-point harnesses came into use for child restraints. In these systems, two additional points of attachment are added at either side of the child's mid-section or waist. The belt is continuous from the shoulder attachment to the waist attachment, resulting in two continuous loops of harness on either side of the child. These loops inflect or turn at a buckle; these two buckles together plug into the attachment at the crotch area. Additionally, there is typically a chest buckle to control the harnesses in that area. Current 5-point harnesses, while safer than older designs, are not convenient for parents to use. This is because a great deal of manual manipulation of the child is called for in order to thread their arms through the continuous loops of harness at either side.

The invention provides a new child restraint harness that allows for five points of attachment and also for greater ease of use. The five points of attachment refer to the number of places the harness is anchored or secured. The greater ease of use referred to results from not needing to thread any of the child's limbs through any loops of harness. This harness system will improve the security and ease of use of harnesses in children's car seats, infant carriers used as car restraints, carriers and bassinet type restraints that are not meant as in-car restraints, and child strollers.

The harness design is superior to existing harnesses that provide for at least five points of attachment because it:

-   -   Does not require the user to thread the child's limbs through         closed loops of harness when placing the child in the restraint;     -   Opens up completely when the user wants to remove the child from         the restraint;     -   Causes less irritation to the child because there is less need         for manipulating their limbs in use;     -   Allows for the child's removal from the restraint without waking         them up; and     -   Encourages better regular harness usage due to the greater ease         of use and the decrease in use burden.

The present invention provides a harness for holding children securely in child restraints. The harness is necessary for both catastrophic incidents such as vehicular collisions, and for regular movements of the restraint which might dislodge the child. Because the harness must be used every time the restraint is used, the impact of the harness on the comfort of both the child and the parent is very important. In a 5-point harness scheme where there are attachment points at the shoulders, waist, and crotch, the child's arms must be threaded through continuous loops of harness attached at the shoulder and waist. This procedure disturbs the child (especially for sleeping infants) and causes great difficulty of use for the parent using the harness.

The invention provides the same security of a conventional 5-point harness without the need to thread any of the child's limbs. The invention retains the same level of security because the invention has an equal number of attachment points (five), thereby having an equal distribution of forces across the child's body. The invention achieves the ability to eliminate limb threading by having the harness swing over the child's head. The harness then attaches at the three lower points of attachment at the waist and crotch.

FIG. 43 shows how the harness invention swings over the child and attach. Harness sections 401 and 402 are located at the child's shoulder height; their positions are adjustable to account for different sized children and child growth. The harness fixture pad 403 swings over the child's head. Male buckles 404, 405, and 406 plug into matched female buckles 407, 408, and 409.

FIG. 44 shows how existing harnesses, according to the prior art, require limb threading. Left arm 411 is underneath harness loop 412.

FIG. 45 illustrates using a zipper to close the chest area gap of the harness fixture pad for a more ergonomic shoulder fit. Zipper 421 latches upward to decrease the open space in the chest area. Alternative means for achieving this reduction of chest gap area can employ any other mechanical closure type, including buttons, clips (commonly referred to as “fastex” buckles), hook and loop closures (commonly referred to as “Velcro”), string or laces, and wire. FIG. 46 illustrates one alternative where buttons 422, 423, and 424 snap to close the chest space.

FIG. 47 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention that also does not require limb threading. In this embodiment, straps 431, 432, 433, and 434 (attaching at both waist and shoulder attachment points) all buckle into a central receiving buckle 435 attached to the crotch. This gives the parent the advantage of securing the harness through a series of simple maneuvers not involving limb threading, instead of fewer but more complicated maneuvers that do involve limb threading.

5. 7-Point Harness for Child Restraints

Harnesses for child restraints have evolved from 3-point harnesses of the past. In 3-point systems, two points of attachments were at the child's shoulders, and the third attachment point was in the crotch area. In these systems, the harness typically folded over the child, pivoting at the two shoulder attachment areas, and a single buckle would attach at the crotch area.

However, as with other restraint systems, people recognized that more attachment points equated to more security of harnessing and more distribution of load on the passenger. Since these imperatives are especially relevant to children, 5-point harnesses came into use for child restraints. In these systems, two additional points of attachment are added at either side of the child's mid-section or waist. The belt is continuous from the shoulder attachment to the waist attachment, resulting in two continuous loops of harness on either side of the child. These loops inflect or turn at a buckle; these two buckles together plug into the attachment at the crotch area. Additionally, there is typically a chest buckle to control the harnesses in that area. Current 5-point harnesses, while safer than older designs, are not convenient for parents to use. This is because a great deal of manual manipulation of the child is called for in order to thread their arms through the continuous loops of harness at either side.

A new child restraint harness of the invention allows for seven points of attachment and also for greater ease of use. The seven points of attachment refer to the number of places the harness is anchored or secured. The greater ease of use referred to results from not needing to thread any of the child's limbs through any loops of harness. This harness system will improve the security and ease of use of harnesses in children's car seats, infant carriers used as car restraints, carriers and bassinet type restraints that are not meant as in-car restraints, and child strollers.

The harness design is superior to existing harnesses that provide for at least five points of attachment because it:

-   -   Does not require the user to thread the child's limbs through         closed loops of harness when placing the child in the restraint;     -   Opens up completely when the user wants to remove the child from         the restraint;     -   Causes less irritation to the child because there is less need         for manipulating their limbs in use;     -   Allows for the child's removal from the restraint without waking         them up;     -   Encourages better regular harness usage due to the greater ease         of use and the decrease in use burden; and     -   Spreads the load that the harness transmits to the child more         evenly across his or her body.

The present invention provides a harness for holding children securely in child restraints. The harness is necessary for both catastrophic incidents such as vehicular collisions, and for regular movements of the restraint which might dislodge the child. Because harnesses must be used every time the restraint is used, the harnesses impact on the comfort of both the child and the parent is very important. In a 5-point harness scheme where there are attachment points at the shoulders, waist, and crotch, the child's arms must be threaded through continuous loops of harness attached at the shoulder and waist. This procedure disturbs the child (especially for sleeping infants) and causes great difficulty of use for the parent using the harness.

The invention improves upon the state of the art by having more attachment points to spread the load of any restraint movement over more of the child's body. The invention accomplishes this by adding two additional points of attachment in addition to the five normally used. These two points exist at the chest or armpit areas of the child. Also, the invention does not require the threading of the child's limbs through enclosed loops of the harness.

FIG. 48 shows how the harness invention will attach around the child with seven points of attachment: harness ends 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, and 507 anchor into the child restraint. Schematically, existing five point child restraint harnesses do not include attachment points at harness ends 503 and 507. In FIG. 48, harness ends 501 and 502 terminate together at the connected location 508.

FIG. 49 again illustrates the seven points of attachment, but here harness ends 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, and 517 clearly attach to the overall restraint structure 520. Also, FIG. 49 shows how the terminations 518 and 519 of harness ends 511 and 512 can disconnect for ease of placement and removal of the child. In this scheme, not only is there no limb threading required, but the child's head also does not need to be threaded through closed harness loops. This is because 518 and 519 can be placed besides the child's head and reconnected at the child's chest level.

FIGS. 50 and 51 show how the child restraint harness can attach around a child without requiring the threading of limbs through harness straps. In these figures, the securing of the child across the torso is illustrated—securing of the child with harness ends 513, 514, 516, and 517 does not require passing of limbs through enclosed harness loops.

FIG. 52 illustrates the unbuckled schematic of the harness invention. Harness ends 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, and 537 are labeled for reference. Harness buckles 538 and 539 are connected with buckle 544, either by placing 538 and 539 together first or by connecting 538 and 539 independently to 544. Buckles 540 and 541 connect to buckles 544 and 543, respectively. Buckle 542 connects also connects to buckle 543. As can be seen, at no point in this overall buckling action does any part of the child need to be threaded through and enclosed loop of harness. FIG. 53 illustrates one alternate way to achieve the seven points of attachment by swinging a harness loop over the child's head. Harness ends 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, and 537 are labeled for reference. Harness ends 531 and 532 terminate together and connect at buckle 558, forming a loop.

FIG. 54 shows how buckle 558 is passed over the child's head in the process of securing the child to the restraint. This saves steps in the process of securing the child to the restraint.

6. Child Restraint with Dual Integrated Handles

There are many child restraints on the market, especially of the type that users install as accessories in a car and are not built-in to the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. Of these, one type commonly referred to as “infant car seats” or “infant carriers” can be removed from the vehicle without uninstalling the base to which they attach. These restraints commonly have a carrying handle that allows parents to pick them up and carry them. Larger child restraints (for example for toddlers) typically do not incorporate any form of handle. Also, all of the restraint handle structures are actively deploying and cannot be used unless folded out.

A new child restraint handle system of the invention incorporates integrated handles on the sides of the restraint that allow handling, manipulation, and carrying of the restraint comfortably and without deploying an extra handle. The invention involves side handles built into the sides of a restraint. The handle design is superior because it:

-   -   Places handles on the main restraint structure itself, instead         of on a separate articulated member that must be deployed in         order to be used;     -   Puts longitudinal handles on both sides of the restraint;     -   Provides two handles;     -   Puts both handles near the center of the restraint;     -   Allows the user to handle the restraint without deploying a         separate handle; and     -   two users to jointly carrying the restraint in between both of         them.

FIG. 55 explains the handle orientation scheme referring to herein. Left handle 601 is integrated into, and connected to, the overall restraint structure 602. By bridging the center of the restraint, the handle allows the user to control the restraint near its, and the child's, center of gravity. Also, by having handles always available on both sides of the restraint, the user can grab, maneuver, and or adjust the restraint with more access and flexibility.

FIG. 56 shows how the handle will allow for dual carrying of the restraint where the weight is shared between two users. One user would hold right handle 601, and the other user would hold left handle 602.

An alternative embodiment of the side handles comprises separate tubes for the left and right handles which connect to the restraint body. In this embodiment, the handles themselves are not molded into the main restraint body.

7. Child Restraint Harness Height Adjuster

There are many child restraints on the market, especially of the type that users install as accessories in a car and are not built-in to the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. These restraints have harnesses that restrain the child since full size seat belts are not appropriate for small children. As the child grows, the height of the child's shoulder raises, such that the harness's exit points in the restraint at shoulder level must be adjusted. Existing restraints do not accomplish this height adjustment conveniently since in many the harness must be broken or separated and passed through different holes. There are lead screw and rod mechanisms for adjustment in the prior art, but these Typically add great weight and complexity to the restraint.

A new child restraint harness height adjuster of the invention allows for greater ease of use and safety. The invention adjusts the shoulder height at which the harness attaches to or intersects the restraint. This harness height adjuster will improve the security and ease of use of harnesses in children's car seats, infant carriers used as car restraints, carriers and bassinet type restraints that are not meant as in-car restraints, and child strollers. The adjustment design of the invention is superior to existing designs because it:

-   -   Does not require the user to break the continuous loop of the         harness system in order to adjust its shoulder height point;     -   Removes the safety concern of a user possibly not reconnecting a         harness system back together properly after adjusting its         height;     -   Does not require the tedious threading of harness ends through         separate shoulder height openings in the restraint;     -   Does not require a separate sliding piece on the inside of the         restraint to accommodate the different harness heights; and     -   Allows for the harness adjustment mechanism to exist inside the         restraint instead of exposed on the backside of the restraint.

The invention allows for the adjustment of child restraint harnesses simply without breaking the integrity of the harness loop. The retaining features shown in FIG. 57 are accessed through a flap or panel or door from the outside of the restraint. This access can simply be through a fabric panel that is secured by Velcro. The harness 701 sits in various slot positions 702 by the user moving 701 up or down through adjustment slots 703. Advantageously, the system does not employ moving parts. The retaining member, within which the slots 702 are formed, is made out of a sufficiently strong material such as aluminum sheet metal.

FIG. 58 shows how the harness height adjuster allows for positioning the height without breaking the harness loop. The harness sections 711 and 712 pass through openings 713 and 714, which are attached to sliding element 715. Sliding element 715 has a ball retainer 716 which the user presses to allow sliding element 715 to slide and lock into one of the other positions indicated by 717 on rail 718. At no point in this procedure does the user have to compromise the integrity of the harness system.

FIG. 59 shows the invention in a side view. Reference numeral 719 indicates a cutaway section view of the foam and shell that would cover the height adjust mechanism on the inside of the restraint. The member forming opening 714 is seen in end view here; also, sliding element 715 and rail 718 are visible. The ball retainer 716 is pressed to adjust the height position.

FIG. 60 shows a top three-quarter isometric view of the inside of the restraint which shows how the height adjust assembly 720 attaches to the inside of the restraint. FIG. 61 shows a bottom three-quarter isometric view of the outside of the restraint showing that the adjustment points 717 are easily accessible to the user. By providing access to the inside of the restraint, the invention does not require and breaking the harness and does not require a separate sliding piece as on existing height adjusters.

FIG. 62 shows the restraint cover detail at the shoulder area which will allow us to avoid this separate piece. Here, one of the retaining openings 714 is visible through which harness 712 is looped. 712 passes through slot 723, though 714 could be raised with the mechanism such that 712 passes through slots 724, 725, 726, or 727. This is achieved by lifting or lowering and attaching flaps 728. These flaps are secured down by hook and loop closures; or, alternatively buttons, snaps, clips or other mechanical fasteners.

FIG. 63 shows how most prior art harnesses require threading the harness through holes 731 in the restraint when the user needs to adjust the harness height. Alternative implementations of the invention include:

-   -   A sliding tube 741 setup with a ball retainer in the stationary         element 742, as illustrated in FIG. 64. In this arrangement, the         height positions exist on the sliding element, not on the         stationary element.     -   A cam-lock locking adjustment piece, as illustrated in FIG. 65.         The piece containing the openings for the harnesses to pass         through, 751, slides up and down in two side rails 752 and 753.         These rails have slots cut in the sides such that tracking rods         can slide in them. On one side, a cam device 754 allows         different heights to be set.     -   A system also incorporating a sliding element, but in this case         it is locked out by shoulders 761 and 762 which engage slot         geometry 763 to hold a position, as illustrated in FIGS. 66         and 67. A compression spring 764 pushes the two elements of the         sliding piece, 765 and 766, out such that 763 is engaged.

In the foregoing specification, the invention is described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited thereto. For example, many embodiments have been described herein with reference to automotive uses, but uses can also extend to strollers, infant swings, bassinettes, carriages, amusement park rides, and so forth. Various features and aspects of the above-described invention may be used individually or jointly. Further, the invention can be utilized in any number of environments and applications beyond those described herein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the specification. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be recognized that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” as used herein, are specifically intended to be read as open-ended terms of art. 

1. A child restraint system comprising: a seat; a harness associated with the seat, wherein the harness comprises at least a 5-point harness; and a seat cover that is attachable to the seat via one of perimeter loops or elastic and is operable for placement between the seat and a child secured in the seat by the harness, wherein: the seat cover comprises a releasable flap centered with respect to a width of the seat and defining a U-shaped seam, the U-shaped seam having at least two straps of the harness passing there through, and the seat cover is removable from the seat without detaching the harness from the seat.
 2. The child restraint system of claim 1, wherein the seat cover can be removed without unthreading any portion of the harness from the seat.
 3. The child restraint system of claim 1, wherein the harness comprises a 7-point harness.
 4. The child restraint system of claim 1, wherein the U-shaped seam comprises separable seam lines.
 5. The child restraint system of claim 1, wherein the seams are closed using hook and loop fasteners.
 6. The child restraint system of claim 1, wherein the seams are closed using button fasteners.
 7. The child restraint system of claim 1, wherein at least three straps of the harness pass through the U-shaped seam.
 8. The child restraint system of claim 1, further comprising two s-shaped seams, wherein shoulder straps of the harness pass through the s-shaped seams.
 9. The child restraint system of claim 8, wherein the shoulders straps of the harness may be adjusted for different shoulder heights through the s-shaped seams. 